Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Ford EcoSport and Focus owners with vehicles equipped with the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine have voiced persistent concerns about spontaneous engine failures attributed to self-clogging oil systems for several years.
Following a thorough investigation, both Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified the root cause, prompting Ford to initiate a second recall in December 2023, affecting over 100,000 vehicles. The following Ford vehicles are included:
- 2018 –2022 Ford EcoSport SUVs equipped with a 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine and an automatic transmission, produced from 04/03/17 through 10/12/2021
- • 2016-2018 Ford Focus sedans and hatchbacks featuring a 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine paired with automatic transmissions, manufactured between 03/24/15, and 05/04/18
This latest recall is the second time in the past month that Ford Motor Company has announced a massive recall affecting at least 100,000 vehicles. Please note that the 2023 Ford Ecoboost recall differs from a Ford Ecoboost recall announced in 2020. The previous recall includes 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0L engines, and the 2024 recall affects vehicles with 1.0L engines:
| Recall Year | Engine Size | Models Affected | Model Years | Reported Incidents |
| 2020 | 1.5, 1.6, 2.0L | Ford and Lincoln vehicles | 2015-2018 Ford Edge;
2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ (Lincoln);
2017-2019 Ford Escape;
2017-2019 MKC (Lincoln)
| Ford Motor Co. recalled nearly 140,000 Focus sedans and EcoSport crossovers in the U.S. for faulty engine oil pumps that were linked to a federal investigation and an alleged crash with two injuries |
| 2024 | 1.0L | EcoSport, Focus | EcoSport: 2018-2022, Focus: 2016-2018 | 1 crash (2 injuries), ~2,100 warranty claims |
Ford EcoBoost 1.0L Problems
Ford Ecoboost 1.0L engine issues can be linked to a defective component located within the engine’s oil pump, which operates through a belt-driven mechanism. Specifically, the tensioner arm of the oil pump’s drive belt is susceptible to fracturing, leading to a critical drop in oil pressure within the engine. The potential consequences of this failure are significant and include the risk of severe engine damage, power loss during driving, and compromised power braking functionality.
Certain Ecoboost engines have gained a reputation for experiencing a drop in oil pressure as soon as 50,000 miles, prompting mechanics to disassemble them and discover oil pickups obstructed by deteriorated oil pump drive belts. The problem was initially suspected to be related to belt tensioner issues, and its precise source was ultimately verified in the NHTSA’s recall document.
Drivers may also observe loud noises coming from their vehicle’s engine. Additionally, indicators such as low oil pressure and/or the illumination of the check engine lights on the dashboard may appear. These warning signs serve as early signals, alerting drivers to potential problems with the vehicle’s engine and prompting them to take immediate action.
Is there a Ford Ecoboost Fix for the 1.0L Engine Issue?
As part of a 2024 Ecoboost fix, Ford dealerships are set to replace the engine pump tensioner assembly with an upgraded model, addressing the issue that spans across specific Ford EcoSport SUVs manufactured between 04/03/17, and 10/12/2021, and Ford Focus sedans and hatchbacks produced with a 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine and automatic transmissions between 03/24/15, and 05/04/18. Affected drivers have already received recall notifications by mail and will be invited for service at no cost once the necessary parts become available.
For affected vehicle owners seeking resolution, you can contact Ford using their helpline at (866) 436-7332. The recall is under NHTSA’s campaign number 23V905, with Ford assigning its own reference number for the recall as 23S64.
To ensure the safety of your vehicle, you should verify whether your car is subject to any open recalls. The NHTSA provides a user-friendly platform on its website where owners can input their car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) to check for any ongoing recalls. If the search results show no recalls, it indicates that your vehicle does not currently have any open recalls.
Given the frequency with which vehicle manufacturers issue recalls and the potential implications for vehicle safety, we advise drivers to periodically revisit the NHTSA recall website and recheck their VIN to stay informed about any newly issued recalls that may affect their vehicle.
Need Additional Help? Contact the California Experts on Ford Lemon Law
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